Creamy Swiss Dauphine Potatoes
Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of Creamy Swiss Dauphine Potatoes, a delightful twist on the classic potato gratin. This oven-baked dish features layers of thinly sliced potatoes, enveloped in a luscious cream sauce and topped with melting Swiss cheese. Infused with a hint of nutmeg, each creamy bite is a perfect harmony of flavors that will make it a favorite at any gathering. Serve it as a side dish for roasts or enjoy it as a comforting main course. Your family and friends will adore this elegant and delicious recipe!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
potatoes
4 large (peeled and thinly sliced)
cream
12 ounces (none)
Swiss cheese
4 ounces (shredded)
nutmeg
1/4-1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
salt
1 teaspoon (divided)
pepper
1 teaspoon (divided)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
2
Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish or similar oven-proof dish.
3
Begin layering the sliced potatoes in the greased dish. Start with a quarter of the potatoes, then season with a 1/4 teaspoon of salt and a 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
4
For the second layer, add another quarter of the potato slices and sprinkle half of the nutmeg and half of the shredded Swiss cheese. Season again with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
5
Layer the third quarter of potatoes, seasoning again with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Finish with the last layer of potatoes on top.
6
In the final layer, add the remaining nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
7
Carefully pour the cream evenly over the layered potatoes, ensuring they are fully submerged. If the cream doesn't completely cover the potatoes, add a splash of milk to fill any gaps.
8
Top the entire dish with the remaining Swiss cheese.
9
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
10
After baking, remove the foil and check for doneness. The potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork. Bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes to achieve a golden, bubbly top.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Swiss Dauphine Potatoes?
It is a rich and comforting potato gratin dish featuring layers of thinly sliced potatoes, a luscious cream sauce, and melted Swiss cheese with a hint of nutmeg.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A 9x13 inch baking dish or a similar oven-proof dish is ideal for this recipe.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Yes, the recipe specifies that the potatoes should be peeled and thinly sliced.
How many potatoes are required?
You will need 4 large potatoes for this dish.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 ounces of shredded Swiss cheese.
How much cream is needed for the sauce?
The recipe requires 12 ounces of cream.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains only vegetables, dairy, and spices.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The seasonings include salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
How long should the dish bake in total?
The dish bakes covered for 1 hour and 15 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, totaling about 1.5 hours.
Should I cover the baking dish?
Yes, cover the dish with aluminum foil for the first 1 hour and 15 minutes of baking.
How do I know when the potatoes are done?
The potatoes are done when they are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
What if the cream doesn't fully cover the potatoes?
If the cream doesn't completely submerge the potatoes, you can add a splash of milk to fill any gaps.
Why is the dish baked uncovered at the end?
Baking it uncovered for the last few minutes allows the top to become golden and bubbly.
How many layers of potatoes should I make?
The instructions suggest dividing the potatoes into four layers.
When do I add the Swiss cheese?
Half of the cheese is added inside the second layer, and the remaining half is sprinkled on top of the entire dish before baking.
Should the baking dish be greased?
Yes, you should grease the baking dish before you begin layering the potatoes.
Can I serve this as a main course?
Yes, it can be served as a side dish for roasts or enjoyed as a comforting main course.
How much nutmeg is required?
You should use between 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, depending on your taste preference.
Is the salt added all at once?
No, the 1 teaspoon of salt is divided among the different layers.
Is the pepper added all at once?
No, the 1 teaspoon of pepper is divided and added between the layers.
What is the primary texture of this dish?
The dish has a creamy, tender interior with a golden, bubbly cheese crust on top.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, the recipe specifically lists shredded Swiss cheese as an ingredient.
What if I don't have Swiss cheese?
While Swiss is traditional for this recipe, you could use Gruyere or Emmental as similar substitutes.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food due to its rich cream and cheese base.
How thin should the potato slices be?
Slices should be very thin to ensure they cook through properly during the baking time.
Does the recipe include garlic?
The base recipe provided does not include garlic, focusing instead on the flavor of nutmeg and Swiss cheese.
Is this a family-friendly recipe?
Yes, the description notes that family and friends will adore this elegant and delicious recipe.
Can I use any type of potato?
The recipe calls for 4 large potatoes; starchy varieties like Russets or buttery ones like Yukon Golds usually work best for gratins.